Drug delivery system

ABSTRACT

A drug delivery system for the controlled release of a pharmaceutically-active compound by oral route comprises an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, before intercalation, layers of metal hydroxides, and having intercalated therein a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group. A preferred layered double hydroxide is one that has layers which comprise [LiAl 2 (OH) 6 ] + . The drug delivery system has use in the delivery of drugs such as 4-biphenylacetic acid, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, 2-Propylpentanoic acid and Tolfenamic acid.

[0001] The present invention relates to a drug delivery system. More particularly, it relates to a system in which a drug is intercalated into a layered double hydroxide.

[0002] Layered double hydroxides (LDHS) are a class of compounds which comprise two metal cations and have a layered structure. A brief review of LDHs is provided in Chemistry in Britain, September 1997, pages 59 to 62. The hydrotalcites, perhaps the most well-known examples of LDHs, have been studied for many years.

[0003] LDHs can be represented by the general formula [M^(II) _((1−x))M^(III) _(x)(OH)₂]^(x+)A^(z−) _(x/z).yH₂O or [M^(I) _((1−x))M^(III) _(x)(OH)₂]^(n+)A^(z−) _(n/z).yH₂O, where M^(I), M^(II) and M^(III) are mono, di- and trivalent metal cations respectively, that occupy octahedral positions in hydroxide layers, A^(Z−) is an interlayer charge-compensating anion where z is an integer, such as CO₃ ²⁻, NO₃ ⁻ or Cl⁻, n=2x−1, x is a number less than 1 and y is 0 or a number greater than 0. A large number of LDHs with a wide variety of M^(II)-M^(III) cation pairs (e.g., Ca—Al) as well as the M^(I)-M^(III) cation pair (Li—Al) with different anions in the interlayer space have been reported and studied.

[0004] It is known that certain organic species may be intercalated into the layers in some LDHs and into clays. For example, Ogawa et al., in Chemistry Letters, 1992, no. 3, p.365-368, describe the intercalation of maleic and methylmaleic acids into the clay montmorillonite in a solid state reaction. The geometrical isomers of the acids, fumaric and methylfumaric acids, were not intercalated in the solid state reaction. However, when an ethanolic solution of the two isomers was used, the montmorillonite showed no selectivity and both isomers were intercalated.

[0005] The structure of the layered materials [LiAl₂(OH)₆]X, where X is Cl, Br or NO₃, and their hydrates has been described by Besserguenev et al., in Chem. Mater, 1997, no. 9, p.241-247. The materials can be produced by the reaction of gibbsite [γ-Al(OH)₃] or other forms of Al(OH)₃, such as bayerite, nordstrandite or doyleite, with lithium salts of formula LiX. The materials can also be formed in other ways, such as by direct precipitation (see, for example, Serna et al., Clays & Clay Minerals, (1997), 25,384). The structure of the LiAl₂(OH)₆ ⁺ layers in the compounds is unusual amongst LDHs since it is based on an ordered arrangement of metal cations within the layers.

[0006] The synthesis of LiAl₂(OH)₆ ⁺ compounds is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,295 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,348,297. The use of the materials for separating hydrocarbons and for gas chromatograph columns is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,430,097 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,065, respectively. In both of these latter two documents, the technology described does not involve intercalation chemistry but surface interactions with the stationary phase i.e., liquid-solid or gas-solid interactions.

[0007] Intercalates of compounds of formula LiOH.2Al(OH)₃ are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,727,167 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,812,245. Both documents relate to uses of the intercalates as additives to organic materials such as mineral oils.

[0008] A few other LDHs having cation ordering are known. The layered double hydroxide [Ca₂Al(OH)₆]₂ ⁺SO₄ ²⁻ is an example.

[0009] LDHs exhibit a wide range of anion-exchange reactions with guests such as organic carboxylates, sulfonates and a range of anionic metal complexes. These materials are of significant technological importance in diverse areas such as catalysis, optics, medical science and separation science.

[0010] The application of LDHs in separation science has until recently been largely restricted to their role as fast, efficient, high capacity ion-exchange materials. The major application being the removal of organic and inorganic anions from aqueous streams. According to WO 99/24139 a compound comprising at least two negatively charged groups connected by a linker group can be separated from a mixture containing it by selectively intercalating it into an LDH. For example, it was disclosed therein that when [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O is treated with an equimolar mixture of the disodium salts of either the 1,2-, 1,3- or 1,4-dibenzoic acids then the only crystalline phase observed is formed by preferential and exclusive intercalation of the 1,4-dibenzoate anions.

[0011] Choy et al., J.Am.Chem.Soc. 1999, 121, 1399-1400, have reported that the nucleoside monophosphates such as adenosine-5′-monophosphate (AMP), guanosine-5′-monophosphate (GMP) and cytidine-5′-monophosphate (CMP) can be ion-exchange intercalated in the layered double hydroxide [Mg_(0.68)Al_(0.32)(OH)₂](NO₃)_(0.32).1.2H₂O.

[0012] The present invention provides a drug delivery system comprising an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, before intercalation, layers of metal hydroxides and having intercalated therein a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group.

[0013] The present invention is based on the discovery that a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group can be intercalated into an LDH compound and that the intercalate releases the pharmaceutically-active compound in a controlled manner when subjected to pH conditions that may prevail inside the stomach of a patient. It is known that certain pharmaceutically-active compounds, when administered orally, may cause irritation of the stomach. Some patients are, of course, more vulnerable to irritation of this kind than others. By controlling the release of such compounds in the stomach such a side-effect can be avoided or, at least, reduced.

[0014] The layered double hydroxide that can be used in the drug delivery system of the invention comprises two metal cations and hydroxide ions and has a layered structure. Between the layers, the LDH contains an intercalated anionic group which is one that can be displaced by the pharmaceutically-active compound.

[0015] A first, preferred, class of LDH compounds that can be used in the manufacture of the drug delivery system of the invention has the general formula I

[M^(I)M₂ ^(III)(OH)₆]⁺[A_(1/n) ^(n−)]  (I)

[0016] in which M^(I) is a monovalent metal cation, M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation, A is a displaceable anion and n is an integer. These compounds are optionally, but preferably, hydrated. The amount of water of hydration may be a stoichiometric amount or a non-stoichiometric amount. Of this class of LDH compounds, those wherein M^(I) is a lithium ion and M^(III) is an aluminium ion are particularly preferred such that the layers in the compound comprise [LiAl₂(OH)₆]⁺. The cations in such a layer have an ordered arrangement, i.e., the LDH has cation ordering. The ordered (i.e., non-random) arrangement of cations is believed to be beneficial and to enhance the intercalation of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the system of the invention.

[0017] In the above formula I the anion A is one that can be displaced from its location between the metal cation-containing layers in the LDH by the pharmaceutically-active compound. For example, it may be an anion selected from hydroxide, halide (i.e., fluoride, chloride, bromide or iodide), sulfate or nitrate ions. Preferably, the anion A is chloride or nitrate.

[0018] A second, preferred, class of LDH compound that can be used in the manufacture of the drug delivery system of the invention has the general formula II

[M_((1−x)) ^(II)M_(x) ^(III)(OH)₂]^(x+)[A_(x/n) ^(n−)]  (II)

[0019] in which M^(II) is a divalent metal cation, for example, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions, M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation, for example Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions, A is a displaceable anionic group such as one disclosed above in connection with the described first class of LDH compounds, n is an integer and x is a number less than 1. Such compounds are optionally, but preferably, hydrated. The water of hydration, if present, may be present in a stoichiometric amount or a non-stoichiometric amount.

[0020] A preferred LDH compound for use in preparing the drug delivery system of the invention is [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O.

[0021] The drug delivery system of the invention comprises an LDH in which is intercalated a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group. The pharmaceutically-active compound may be any compound which may have use in the treatment of any disease, disorder or condition in the body of an animal, including human, provided that the compound has activity when administered by an oral route and provided that it has at least one anionic group which will enable it to intercalate into the LDH to displace the anion A from the initial LDH compound. Thus, provided that the above requirements are met the pharmaceutically-active compound may be a drug, a pro-drug or drug precursor or a substance for treating a treatable disorder or condition of the animal body, including the human body. Such active compounds have at least one anionic group, for example a carboxylic acid group or a non-toxic metal or ammonium salt thereof. Examples of pharmaceutically-active compounds that may be intercalated into an LDH to form an intercalation compound having use as a drug delivery system according to the invention include, but are not limited to, 4-biphenylacetic acid, sodium (2-(2,6-dichloroanilino)phenyl) acetate (Diclofenac Sodium), 2,2-dimethyl-5-(2,5-xylyloxy)valeric acid (Gemfibrozil), 2-(4-isobutylphenyl) propionic acid (Ibuprofen), (+)-2-(6-methoxy-2-naphthyl)propionic acid (Naproxen), 2-propylpentanoic acid and N-(3-chloro-o-tolyl)anthranilic acid (Tolfenamic acid).

[0022] In order to effect intercalation, an aqueous solution of the pharmaceutically-active compound, optionally in the form of a non-toxic salt thereof, is treated with the layered double hydroxide and then the intercalate compound, so formed, is separated from the reaction mixture. Typically, the treatment will be performed by, firstly, preparing an aqueous suspension of the LDH compound and then mixing this with an aqueous solution of the pharmaceutically-active compound (or a non-toxic salt thereof). Preferably, an aqueous suspension of the LDH is treated by ultrasonication for a period of time of from 1 to 60 minutes, .more preferably from 30 to 45 minutes, prior to mixing this with the solution containing, the pharmaceutically-active compound, since this prior sonication treatment enhances the extent of the intercalation reaction. Typically, the intercalation reaction is carried out by stirring the aqueous mixture of the reactants for a period of time within the range of from 2 to 72 hours. The pharmaceutically-active compound in the solution treated with the LDH will preferably be in a molar excess with respect to the LDH. Typically, the molar ratio of pharmaceutically-active compound to LDH will be at least 2:1 since such guest:host ratios promote a greater extent of intercalation. The temperature of the reaction mixture will typically be held at at least 30° C. for at least part of the reaction period. Whereas Naproxen is intercalated into the LDH after a reaction time of 1 to 2 days at 30° C., the reaction of Tolfenamic acid with the LDH requires a longer period of time and a higher reaction temperature, typically about 3 days at a temperature of about 80° C.

[0023] After the intercalation reaction, the particles of the LDH containing intercalated pharmaceutically-active compound are separated from the aqueous medium, for instance by filtration.

[0024] The separated LDH particles containing the intercalated pharmaceutically-active compound will then be dried prior to formulation into the required oral dosage units.

[0025] The intercalate compounds have been found to release the pharmaceutically-active compound in a controlled manner when subjected to an acid environment similar to that which exists in the stomach of an animal (including a human). This is because the LDH is broken down by treatment with a dilute acid, such as hydrochloric acid. LDH compounds, themselves, are known to have an antacid effect. Thus, an intercalate of the invention when administered orally to a patient has the effect of altering the pH of the environment inside the stomach of the patient which, in turn, affects the breakdown of the intercalate and, therefore, the rate of release of the pharmaceutically-active compound from the intercalate. Since the rate of breakdown of the intercalate in the stomach and the degree of antacid effect depends on the chemical nature of the lattice of the LDH used it is possible to control or modify the rate of release of the pharmaceutically-active compound from the intercalate by an appropriate selection of the host lattice used in the manufacture of the intercalate. The pH of the contents of the stomach can also be controlled by the addition of a buffer, for instance, a phosphate buffer. Thus, the incorporation of a buffer into a formulation, which includes the intercalate containing the pharmaceutically-active compound, to be administered to a patient allows the pH to be fine tuned to optimise the rate of breakdown of the LDH lattice and, thus, the rate of release of the pharmaceutically-active compound from the intercalate. According to a different embodiment, it may be advantageous to include, with the intercalate compound in the formulation to be administered to a patient, a non-toxic compound which contains an anion that intercalates between the layers in the LDH in preference to the pharmaceutically-active compound. By providing such a compound, the release of the pharmaceutically-active compound in the patient's stomach is promoted by the action of the anion to displace the pharmaceutically-active compound from the layers in the LDH. Suitable anions for this purpose include carbonate and hydrogen carbonate anions although anions, which intercalate more or less strongly than carbonate can be used. A carbonate compound is, however, preferred on account of the strong capacity of carbonate anion to bind with the LDH and displace the guest pharmaceutically-active compound from the LDH. Examples of suitable non-toxic carbonate and hydrogen carbonate compounds that can be used in this embodiment of the invention include CaCO₃, Ca(HCO₃)₂, MgCO₃ and Mg(HCO₃)₂.

EXAMPLES Example 1

[0026] Intercalation of Pharmaceutically-active Compounds in [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O

[0027] Table 1 lists pharmaceutically-active compounds which we have intercalated into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) host of formula [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O. The intercalation of the drug was achieved by adding 1.4 mmol of the sodium salt of the drug in 10 ml of deionised H₂O to a suspension of 0.7 mmol of the host in 10 ml of deionised H₂O. The suspension of the host was sonicated for 30 minutes prior to the addition of the sodium salt of the drug. The mixture was then stirred in a sealed glass ampoule for 1-2 days at a temperature of 30° C.

[0028] 4-Biphenylacetic acid and Tolfenamic acid are anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Diclofenac is used for the treatment of arthritis, ibuprofen and naproxen are both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents. Gemfibrozil is a lipid regulating agent and 2-propylpentanoic acid inhibits GABA transaminase. TABLE 1 Summary of the guest molecule used and the analytical and structural data of the LDH-drug intercalation compounds. Interlayer Spacing/ Elemental Analysis Guest Molecular Structure of Guest^(a) Å^(b) Found (calc)^(c) 4-Biphenylacetic acid C₁₄H₁₂O₂

20.4 C 30.77(30.77) H 5.16(5.20) x = 0.58, y = 2 Diclofenac C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NaNO₂

22.3 C 30.91(30.92) H 4.12(3.91) N 2.60(2.58) x = 0.72. y = 1. Gemfibrozil C₁₅H₂₂O₃

23.2 C 35.35(35.36) H 6.56(6.65) x = 0.69, y = 1 Ibuprofen C₁₃H₁₈O₂

22.7 C 31.92(31.98) H 6.15(5.99) x = 0.75. y = 3 Naproxen C₁₄H₁₄O₃

21.5 C 27.91(28.08) H 4.98(4.99) x = 0.48. y = 1 2-Propylpentanoic acid C₈H₁₈O₂

18.7 C 14.78(14.82) H 5.77(6.04) x = 0.35, y = 1 Tolfenamic acid C₁₄H₁₂ClNO₂

21.9 C 23.24(23.18) H 5.25(5.29) N 1.90(1.93) x = 0.46. y = 3

[0029] Methods of r Covery/release of the Drugs From the Solid Host

[0030] All of the above drugs have been quantitatively exchanged back out of the host LDH, for example, by using one of the following procedures:

[0031] 1. Addition of carbonate; adding 0.113 g of Na₂CO₃ to approx. 0.100 g of the intercalation compound in 8 ml of D₂O and stirring overnight in a sealed glass ampoule.

[0032] 2. Addition of acid; All the intercalation compounds react with 0.2M HCl to produce the neutral drug molecule.

[0033] 3. Addition of phosphate buffer (ca. pH7).

[0034] NMR spectra and XRD patterns were measured to confirm the release of the drugs.

Example 2

[0035] Intercalation compounds were obtained by intercalating the pharmaceutically-active compounds described in Example 1 into [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O according to the procedure of Example 1.

[0036] Release of the drugs from their intercalation compounds was performed in each case by the addition of 0.0250 g-0.100 g of the intercalation compound to 250 mL phosphate buffer solution at 37° C. (body temperature) in a round bottom flask and the mixture stirred at 100 rpm. The release in phosphate buffer at pH 7 and at pH 4 was investigated. Aliquots were removed from the flask at regular time intervals, the solution was filtered and the UV spectrum of the filtrate recorded in a 1 cm² quartz cuvette. A baseline scan using the neat solution was recorded prior to the collection of the first spectrum of the filtrate.

[0037] The release profiles for diclofenac at pH 4 and pH 7 are shown in FIG. 1. The release profiles for Naproxen at pH 4 and pH 7 are shown in FIG. 2. The release profiles for Gemfibrozil at pH 4 and pH 7 are shown in FIG. 3. The release profiles for Tolfenamic acid at pH 4 and pH 7 are shown in FIG. 4. The release profiles for 4-biphenylacetic acid at pH 4 and pH 7 are shown in FIG. 5.

[0038] The release of Diclofenac (FIG. 1), Naproxen (FIG. 2) and 4-biphenylacetic acid (FIG. 5) was rapid at pH 4 but was slower and more controlled at pH 7.

Example 3

[0039] Intercalation of Pharmaceutically-active Compounds in [Ca₂Al(OH)₆]NO₃.xH₂O

[0040] Intercalation of the pharmaceutically-active compounds was achieved by the addition of 1.4 mmol of the sodium salt of the drug in 10 ml deionised H₂O to 0.7 mmol of the LDH host of formula [Ca₂Al(OH)₆]NO₃.xH₂O. The mixture was then stirred in a sealed glass ampoule for 18 hours at a temperature of 80° C. The solid products were isolated by filtration and washed with an excess of deionised water and acetone and allowed to dry in air. The formulae and d-spacings of the intercalation compounds synthesised are listed in the following Table 2. TABLE 2 d-spacing Drug Molecule Intercalation Compound A 4-Biphenyl- [Ca_(1.875)Al(OH)₆][C₁₄H₁₁O₂]_(0.75).2H₂O 19.5 acetic acid C₁₄H₁₂O₂ Diclofenac [Ca_(1.9)Al(OH)₆][C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NO₂]_(0.8).2H₂O 22.4 C₁₄H₁₀Cl₂NaNO₂ Gemfibrozil [Ca_(1.825)Al(OH)₆][C₁₅H₂₁O₃]_(0.65).H₂O 22.5 C₁₅H₂₂O₃ Ibuprofen [Ca_(1.9)Al(OH)₆][C₁₃H₁₇O₂]_(0.8).H₂O 19.8 C₁₃H₁₈O₂ Naproxen [Ca₂Al(OH)₆][C₁₄H₁₃O₃]_(0.63).3H₂O 19.7 C₁₄H₁₄O₃ Tolfenamic [Ca_(1.75)Al(OH)₆][C₁₄H₁₁ClNO₂]_(0.5).2H₂O* 19.8 acid C₁₄H₁₂ClNO₂

[0041] Release of Naproxen was performed and investigated as described in Example 2. The release profile of Naproxen from its intercalation compound at pH 7 is shown in FIG. 6.

Example 4

[0042] Intercalation of Pharmaceutically-active Compounds in [Mg₂Al(OH)₆]NO₃.H₂O

[0043] Intercalation of the drug molecules listed in Table 2 was achieved by the addition of 1.4 mmol of the sodium salt of the drug in 10 ml deionised H₂O to 0.7 mmol of the LDH host of formula [Mg₂Al(OH)₆]NO₃.H₂O. The mixture was then stirred in a sealed glass ampoule for 12 hours at a temperature of 60° C. The solid products were isolated by filtration and washed with an excess of deionised water and acetone and allowed to dry in air. 

1. A drug delivery system comprising an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, before intercalation, layers of metal hydroxides, and having intercalated therein a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group.
 2. The system according to claim 1 wherein the layered double hydroxide, before intercalation, is represented by the general formula [M_((1−x)) ^(II)M_(x) ^(III)(OH)₂]^(x+)[A_(x/n) ^(n−)] in which M^(II) is a divalent metal cation; M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation; A is a displaceable anion; n is an integer; and x is a number less than 1, which compound is optionally hydrated with a stoichiometric amount or a non-stoichiometric amount of water.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein M^(II) is Mg or Ca and M^(III) is Al.
 4. The system according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein A is selected from OH, F, Cl, Br, I, SO₄ and NO₃.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the layered double hydroxide, before intercalation, is represented by the general formula [M^(I)M₂ ^(III)(OH)₆]⁺[A_(1/n) ^(n−)] in which M^(I) is a monovalent metal cation; M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation; A is a displaceable anion; and n is an integer, which compound is optionally hydrated with a stoichiometric or non-stoichiometric amount of water.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein M^(I) is Li and M^(III) is Al.
 7. The system according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein A is selected from OH, F, Cl, Br, I, SO₄ and NO₃.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the layered double hydroxide is [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O.
 9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group is a pharmaceutically-active compound containing at least one carboxylic acid group or a non-toxic salt thereof.
 10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which additionally comprises a non-toxic compound having an anion which is capable of displacing the pharmaceutically-active compound from the intercalate.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the non-toxic compound is selected from magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydrogen carbonate, calcium carbonate or calcium hydrogen carbonate.
 12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pharmaceutically-active compound is selected from 4-biphenylacetic acid, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, 2-propylpentanoic acid and Tolfenamic acid.
 13. A method of making an intercalate of a layered double hydroxide having, intercalated therein, a pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group which comprises treating an aqueous solution of the pharmaceutically-active compound, optionally in the form of a non-toxic salt thereof, with the layered double hydroxide and separating the intercalate of the layered double hydroxide.
 14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the layered double hydroxide, before intercalation, is represented by the general formula [M_((1−x)) ^(II)M_(x) ^(III)(OH)₂]^(x+)[A_(x/n) ^(n−)] in which M^(II) is a divalent metal cation; M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation; A is a displaceable anion; n is an integer; and x is a number less than 1, which compound is optionally hydrated with a stoichiometric amount or a non-stoichiometric amount of water.
 15. A method according to claim 14, wherein M^(II) is Mg and M^(III) is Al.
 16. The method according to either claim 14 or claim 15, wherein A is selected from OH, F, Cl, Br, I, SO₄ and NO₃.
 17. The method according to claim 13, wherein the layered double hydroxide, before intercalation, is represented by the general formula [M^(I)M₂ ^(III)(OH)₆]⁺[A_(1/n) ^(n−)] in which M^(I) is a monovalent metal cation; M^(III) is a trivalent metal cation; A is a displaceable anion; and n is an integer, which compound is optionally hydrated with a stoichiometric amount or a non-stoichiometric amount of water.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein M^(I) is Li and M^(III) is Al.
 19. The method according to either claim 17 or claim 18, wherein A is selected from OH, F, Cl, Br, I, SO₄ and NO₃.
 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the layered double hydroxide is [LiAl₂(OH)₆]Cl.H₂O.
 21. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the pharmaceutically-active compound having at least one anionic group is a pharmaceutically-active compound containing at least one carboxylic acid group or a non-toxic salt thereof.
 22. The method according to claim 21 wherein the pharmaceutically-active compound is selected from 4-biphenylacetic acid, Diclofenac, Gemfibrozil, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, 2-propylpentanoic acid and Tolfenamic acid. 